231: From NFL to Financial Freedom: How Devon Kennard Built an 8-Figure Real Estate Portfolio

Most pro athletes go broke after retiring. Devon Kennard isn’t one of them.

As an NFL linebacker turned real estate investor, Devon made the rare transition from W-2 income to building an 8-figure real estate portfolio—all while still playing in the league. Seeing how easily athletes could be replaced, he knew he needed a plan for financial independence before his playing days were over. While many players burn through their earnings, Devon took a different approach, learning to invest, creating passive income, and setting himself up for long-term wealth.

In this conversation, Devon breaks down how he navigated the world of investing while maintaining a demanding career in professional sports. He shares the biggest financial mistakes athletes (and high-income earners) make, why most people are underestimating their risk of being replaced, and how he built a diversified investment strategy that generates cash flow without requiring his constant attention. 

Devon also explains the mindset shifts that helped him overcome financial setbacks and why learning from other people's mistakes is the fastest way to accelerate wealth.

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

1.) The biggest money traps that cause pro athletes and high-income earners to go broke, and the simple shifts that can keep you financially free for life.

2.) The 4 real estate strategies that helped Devon build an 8-figure portfolio while playing in the NFL—including the red flags to look for when vetting deals. 

3.) How Devon escaped the W-2 paycheck cycle and built passive income while still working—and why waiting too long to start could be your biggest financial mistake.

Show Notes: LifestyleInvestor.com/231

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